Wilder said Mandela 'was a moral giant and as never forgetful of his friends.' | AP Photo

By ASSOCIATED PRESS | 12/5/13 9:10 PM EST

RICHMOND, Va. — The nation's first elected black governor says the world lost "a moral giant" and he lost a friend with the death of Nelson Mandela.

Former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder met several times with Mandela over the years. He says Mandela was always grateful that in 1990, Wilder made Virginia the first state to impose economic sanctions on South Africa because of apartheid. Other states followed.